in sight of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in sight of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to something that is visible or close enough to be seen. For example, "The church was in sight of the river."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In her "In Sight of the Lake," we meet Nancy.

Forbes

Oil Heads Higher, In Sight Of $40 On Supply Fears.

Forbes

We were in sight of our house.

The New Yorker

All this in sight of sea and rugged hills.

The Guardian

We are now in sight of a historic agreement.

The Guardian

In sight of the home straight, I gallop on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They met near Mantinea, and drew up in sight of the city.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For two months the Amistad wandered northward until it finally came in sight of land.

Yale University

Six days later, the Albedo came in sight of the Somali coast.

The New Yorker

The table was in sight of other booths, but not under observation.

The Economist

Just being in sight of her immaculate white coat I felt accused of slovenliness and failure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in sight of" to create a sense of anticipation or progress towards a goal, whether it's a physical destination or an abstract achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "in sight of" when referring to highly abstract or intangible concepts where physical visibility doesn't apply. For example, saying "We are in sight of world peace" might be less effective than "We are approaching an era of greater global cooperation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in sight of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a noun or verb to indicate proximity or visibility. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in sight of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate proximity or visibility, whether literal or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral in register, writers should ensure its use aligns with the intended meaning, especially in more abstract situations. Consider using alternatives like "within view of" or "close to" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within view of

Focuses on the visual aspect of being able to see something; implies a direct line of sight.

close to

A simpler and more direct way of expressing proximity, both physically and metaphorically.

within range of

Emphasizes the potential to reach or affect something, not just visual proximity.

nearby

Describes the physical closeness of something, often without implying direction.

in proximity to

A more formal way of saying "near", often used in technical or scientific contexts.

on the verge of

Indicates nearing a particular state or event, focusing on the imminent arrival of something.

approaching

Highlights the action of coming closer, rather than the state of being near.

nearing

Similar to 'approaching', but can also suggest a time frame or deadline.

drawing near to

Implies movement towards something, emphasizing the process of getting closer.

on the horizon

Metaphorically suggests that something is about to happen or become visible in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "in sight of" in a sentence?

You can use "in sight of" to indicate that something is visible or nearly within reach. For example, "The ship was finally "within sight of" land after many days at sea" or "They were "close to" achieving their goal, being "on the verge of" success".

What are some alternatives to "in sight of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "within view of", "close to", "on the verge of", or "nearby".

Is "in sight of" formal or informal?

"In sight of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "in proximity to" may be preferred in certain situations.

When should I avoid using "in sight of"?

Avoid using "in sight of" if the context doesn't relate to physical visibility or nearing a tangible goal. In highly abstract contexts, consider using alternatives that better convey the intended meaning.